What Does the Bible Say About Slander?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Words carry weight.

They have the power to inspire or destroy, to lift someone up or tear them down.

Slander is one of the most harmful ways words can be used, and the Bible takes it very seriously.

Slander is speaking falsely or maliciously about someone with the intent to damage their reputation.

Unlike simple gossip, which may involve spreading personal information, slander involves spreading lies.

It is an intentional attack on someone’s character and can cause lasting harm.

Throughout Scripture, God warns against slander and calls His people to use their words wisely.

Understanding what the Bible teaches about slander can help us guard our speech, seek repentance if we have spoken falsely, and trust in God when others speak against us.

Let’s take a deep dive into what the Bible says about this destructive behavior and how we can align our words with God’s truth.

The Sinfulness of Slander

Slander is not just careless talk—it is sinful.

The Bible repeatedly warns against it, showing that it is not just an offense against people but against God Himself.

Psalm 101:5 states, “Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy; whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.”

This verse makes it clear that slander is offensive to God.

It is often rooted in pride, arrogance, or jealousy, and it is never excusable in the eyes of the Lord.

Proverbs 10:18 also warns, “Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”

This verse highlights that slander is usually connected to hatred, showing that it is not just about words but about the condition of the heart.

When people slander others, they are acting out of bitterness, resentment, or personal gain.

God calls His people to a higher standard—one that values truth, honesty, and love over false accusations.

The Destructive Nature of Slander

The Bible describes the damage caused by slander as deep and far-reaching.

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Slander does not only affect the person being spoken about; it also hurts the person who speaks it and those who listen to it.

James 3:6 describes the tongue as “a fire, a world of unrighteousness,” capable of setting an entire course of life on fire.

Words, once spoken, cannot be taken back.

They spread like wildfire, and even if the slander is proven false later, the damage may already be done.

Proverbs 16:28 warns, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

Slander has the power to destroy relationships, shatter trust, and create division.

It can turn friends into enemies, tear apart families, and cause tension within a church or community.

This is why God warns so strongly against it.

He desires His people to be peacemakers, not those who stir up strife through false words.

Slander and the Enemy’s Influence

The Bible connects slander with Satan himself.

In fact, the Greek word for “devil” (diabolos) means “slanderer” or “accuser.”

Revelation 12:10 refers to Satan as “the accuser of our brothers and sisters,” highlighting that one of his main tactics is bringing false accusations against God’s people.

When individuals engage in slander, they are doing the enemy’s work, not God’s.

Jesus warned in John 8:44 that the devil “was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.”

Slander, which is rooted in deception, comes from the same source of evil.

God, on the other hand, is a God of truth.

He calls His people to reject slander and instead walk in integrity, honesty, and love.

How the Bible Calls Us to Speak Truth

Rather than using words to tear others down, the Bible calls believers to speak truth with grace and love.

Ephesians 4:29 teaches, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.”

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This verse reminds us that our words should be used to edify, encourage, and bring healing.

Colossians 3:8 also warns against slander, saying, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

This shows that slander is part of a sinful nature that must be put to death.

As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard, one that reflects God’s character in everything we say and do.

Speaking truth does not mean ignoring wrongdoing, but it does mean that correction should be done with wisdom and love rather than false accusations or malice.

Responding to Slander as a Believer

What should a believer do when they are the victim of slander?

Being slandered is painful, and it is tempting to want to fight back.

However, Jesus set an example of how to handle false accusations.

In Matthew 26:59-60, the religious leaders sought false testimony against Him to have Him put to death.

Despite the lies spoken against Him, Jesus remained silent, trusting in God’s justice.

Psalm 37:5-6 encourages believers to trust in God’s vindication, saying, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

This means that when faced with slander, the best response is to remain faithful, avoid retaliation, and trust that God will bring truth to light.

Romans 12:19 also reminds us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

God sees every false word spoken, and He will bring justice in His time.

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Avoiding Slander in Everyday Life

Slander is not always obvious.

It can creep into conversations in the form of complaints, exaggerations, or subtle jabs at someone’s character.

A casual remark about someone’s mistakes can turn into a damaging rumor.

A moment of frustration can lead to speaking negatively about someone in a way that distorts the truth.

James 1:26 warns, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

This verse shows that faith and speech go hand in hand.

If we claim to follow Christ but do not control our words, our faith is not genuine.

Before speaking about someone, it is wise to ask:

Is this true?

Is this necessary?

Is this kind?

If the answer to any of these is no, it is best to remain silent.

Guarding our words is not only about protecting others—it is about keeping our own hearts pure.

Final Thoughts

The Bible is clear that slander is a sin that God strongly opposes.

It is not just idle talk—it is destructive, deceitful, and does not reflect the heart of God.

Instead of engaging in slander, believers are called to use their words for truth, encouragement, and reconciliation.

When faced with slander, the right response is to trust in God’s justice rather than retaliate.

Ultimately, words should be used to bring life, not harm.

By choosing honesty and rejecting slander, we align ourselves with God’s truth and bring glory to Him in everything we say.